In the epic of old Mali, Sundiata is portrayed as a great king who founded the Malian Empire. His story is told through the eyes of the griot, Balla Fasseke, who is tasked with preserving the history and culture of his people. The relationship between Sundiata and Balla Fasseke embodies the traditional role and function of the griot in the Sundiata epic.
The griot, in traditional Malian society, was responsible for preserving the oral history, culture, and traditions of the people. Griots were respected members of society, and their knowledge and wisdom were highly valued. They were also skilled musicians, singers, and poets, and used their talents to entertain and educate their audiences. In the Sundiata epic, Balla Fasseke embodies this traditional role of the griot.
Balla Fasseke is Sundiata's trusted advisor and confidant. He is Sundiata's griot, and his role is to maintain the histories and identities of his people. Throughout the epic, Balla Fasseke is shown as a wise and knowledgeable griot who is well-respected by Sundiata and his people. His relationship with Sundiata is one of mutual respect and admiration, with Balla Fasseke providing guidance and wisdom to Sundiata, and Sundiata relying on him for advice and support.
The relationship between Balla Fasseke and Sundiata is significant in the Sundiata epic because it highlights the importance of the griot in maintaining the histories and identities of their people. Balla Fasseke's knowledge and wisdom are invaluable to Sundiata, as he relies on him to interpret the past, understand the present, and plan for the future. Without the griot's knowledge and guidance, Sundiata would not have been able to achieve his great feats, and the history of his people may have been lost.
Moreover, the relationship between Balla Fasseke and Sundiata speaks to how the griots maintained the histories and identities of their people. In the Sundiata epic, Balla Fasseke is portrayed as the custodian of his people's history and culture. He is responsible for passing down the stories of his people from one generation to the next, and for ensuring that their culture and traditions are preserved. His relationship with Sundiata highlights how the griot's role was not just to entertain, but also to educate and preserve the histories and identities of their people.
In conclusion, the relationship between Sundiata and Balla Fasseke in the Sundiata epic reflects the traditional role and function of the griot in Malian society. Their relationship highlights the importance of the griot in maintaining the histories and identities of their people, and how their knowledge and wisdom were invaluable to the rulers of the time. Overall, the Sundiata epic is a testament to the importance of oral history and the role of the griot in preserving it.